Predictive coding system

ABSTRACT

A predictive coding system is disclosed wherein an input data sequence sequentially including a number of samples is subjected to time-base expansion by n times, where n is an integer not smaller than 2, using an interval of a predetermined period including a plurality of samples as a unit to form n-channel data sequences, and said n-channel data sequences are input in n predictive coding means in parallel.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/666,609filed Mar. 8, 1991, now abandoned, which is a continuation ofapplication Ser. No. 07/258,710 filed Oct. 17, 1988 now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a predictive coding system, and moreparticularly to a predictive coding system which handles data having ahigh transmission rate.

2. Description of the Prior Art

As means for coding when signals having temporal correlation such asvideo signals and audio signals are digitally transmitted, there isknown predictive coding such as the well-known differential PCM coding(hereinafter termed DPCM). For example, when signals having a largeamount of information such as television signals are transmitted, it isnecessary to decrease bit rates down to transmission bit rates whichconform to a transmission line. The use of predictive coding as meansfor that purpose.

Now, it is necessary to perform predictive coding processing at highspeed when the transmission rate is extremely high, but there exists alimitation in realizing high-speed processing.

There is generally known, as means for realizing a high-speed digitaldata processing, means wherein each of the data of a data sequence issequentially and cyclically supplied to a plurality of processingsystems for each sample, and the processing speed of each system isdecreased down to a fraction of plural numbers to increase theprocessing speed as a whole.

Accordingly, when this means is applied to predictive coding processing,high-speed processing can be realized.

However, when the above-described means is applied to the predictivecoding processing of image data, for evaluating the predictive value ofa picture element in each system, i.e., each coder, the data inputimmediately before, i.e., the data of an adjacent picture element, isnot utilized. For example, when one-dimensional DPCM coding of videodata transmitted in a raster is performed, a predictive value isproduced with a picture element separated by a plurality of pictureelements in the horizontal direction on a picture, so that thepredictive error becomes large. This is because the correlation betweena picture element used for producing the predictive value of the pictureelement in question, and the latter picture element, decreases.

In general, differential data are non-linearly quantized for the purposeof reducing the amount of data. When the value of predictive error islarge, the difference between the typical value of non-linearlyquantized data and the true value becomes large, resulting indeterioration of image data transmitted.

In the predictive coding of an image, it is possible to use theso-called two-dimensional predictive coding which uses the correlationin the vertical direction of an image, as well, to further reduce thepredictive error. However, when parallel processing of data is performedby using a plurality of predictive coders, an image used for predictioncan not be freely selected in the case of performing the aforementionedprocessing, so that it is impossible to reduce the predictive error.

Further, in the case of DPCM coding of color video signals, the samplingfrequency of color signals is generally set lower than the samplingfrequency of luminance signals because details of the color attract lessof the viewer's attention. In this case, two DPCM-coding circuits andclock circuits for driving are required, one of each for luminancesignals and one of each for color signals.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel predictivecoding system which can solve the problems described above.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a predictivecoding system which is capable of processing even a data sequence with ahigh transmission rate, and which at the same time does not producedeterioration in the information transmitted.

To achieve such an object, as an embodiment according to the presentinvention, there is provided a predictive coding system comprising (a)input means for inputting a data sequence sequentially including anumber of samples, (b) distribution means for distributing the datasequence input by said input means by making a predetermined timeinterval including a plurality of samples as a unit to output n-channeldata sequences, where n is an integer not smaller than 2, (c) ntime-base expansion means for performing time-base expansion of then-channel data sequences output from said distribution means, and (d) npredictive coding circuits in which the n-channel data sequences whichhave been time-base expanded by said n time-base expansion means areinput, respectively.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a predictivecoding system wherein high-speed coding processing of image data as wellas very effective two-dimensional predictive coding can be performed.

To achieve that object, as another embodiment according to the presentinvention, there is provided a predictive coding system comprising (a)input means for inputting a data sequence indicating video signals, (b)distribution means for distributing the data sequence input by saidinput means by making a horizontal scanning line interval as a unit tooutput n-channel data sequences, where n is an integer not smaller than2, (c) time-base expansion means for performing time-base expansion ofthe n-channel data sequences output from said distribution means,respectively, and (d) n predictive coding circuits in which then-channel data sequences which have been time-base expanded by said ntime-base expansion means are input, respectively, said n predictivecoding circuits being constituted so as to give and receive dataindicating local decoded values of each other, and performing predictivecoding by utilizing data indicating local decoded values from otherpredictive coding circuits.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide apredictive coding system which can, on the occasion of predictive codingof a color image, decrease the processing speed within a coder withoutdeteriorating the quality of the image, and which can at the same timerealize a simplification and lower cost of the circuit configuration.

To achieve that object, as still another embodiment of the presentinvention, there is provided a predictive coding system comprising (a)input means for inputting data sequence indicating luminance signals anddata sequence indicating color signals, respectively, (b) distributionmeans for distributing the data sequence indicating luminance signalsinput by said input means by making a horizontal scanning line intervalas a unit to output n-channel data sequences, where n being an integernot smaller than 2, (c) time-base expansion means for performingtime-base expansion of n-channel data sequences output from saiddistribution means, respectively, and (d) (n+1) predictive codingcircuits in which the n-channel data sequences which have been time-baseexpanded by said n time-base expansion means, respectively, and the datasequence indicating color signals input by said input means are input,respectively.

The other objects and features of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description taken in connectionwith the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a coding unit of asystem as an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a timing chart for explaining the processing timing of eachpart in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a decoding unitcorresponding to the coding unit in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are diagrams illustrating concrete examples of thedecoders in FIG. 1, respectively.

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C illustrate diagrams for explaining about a codingunit of a system as another example of the present invention in which:

FIG. 6 (A) is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration thereof;

FIG. 6 (B) is a diagram illustrating a configurational example of thedecoder in FIG. 6 (A); and

FIG. 6 (C) is a diagram showing the disposition of picture elements forexplaining the operation of the coder.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a decoding unit corresponding to thecoding unit in FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C in which:

FIG. 7 (A) is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration thereof;and

FIG. 7 (B) is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a decodercorresponding to the coder in FIG. 6 (B).

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a coding unit of asystem as another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a timing chart for explaining the processing timing of eachpart in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a decoding unitcorresponding to the coding unit in FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Now, an embodiment wherein the present invention is applied to a DPCMcoding system of video signals will be explained.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a coding unit of asystem as an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a timingchart for explaining the processing timing of each part in FIG. 1.

In FIG. 1, there is shown a terminal 1 in which a data sequence obtainedby sampling television signals is input, and the data input isdistributed to three channels by a data distributor 2. The datadistributor 2 sequentially and cyclically supplies the data input toline memories 3, 4 and 5 for each 1 horizontal scanning line (H). FIG. 2(a) graphically illustrates data being input to the distributor 2, wherenumerals show horizontal scanning line numbers. FIG. 2 (b), (c) and (d)show input data line memories 3, 4 and 5, respectively, oblique linesshowing the absence of data input, and the numerals being horizontalscanning line numbers.

The line memories 3, 4 and 5 are for expanding the time bases of inputdata by three times and for outputting the resultant data, respectively,and take in data of 1H interval, and perform data read-out during aperiod of 3H interval of the input data. The data output timings of theline memories 3, 4 and 5 are, as shown in FIG. 2 (e), (f) and (g), setso that data of a 3H interval are simultaneously output in parallel. Thetransmission rate of data read from the line memories 3, 4 and 5 becomes1/3 of the transmission rate of data input, and these data are input toDPCM coders 6, 7 and 8 in parallel. The DPCM coders 6, 7 and 8 performwell-known processing, and supply differential data to line memories 11,12 and 13 in parallel. Here, it is assumed that the processing timesrequired for the coding of the DPCM coders 6, 7 and 8 are sufficientlyshort compared with the period of 1H. The line memories 11, 12 and 13take in differential data, perform time compression to 1/3 in a unit of1H interval and output the resultant data. The read-out timings forthese operations are set so that each memory 11, 12 and 13 sequentiallyoutputs data of 1H interval for each 1H period of the input data.

The differential data read out from the line memories 11, 12 and 13 aresubjected to time-base multiplexing in a data multiplexing circuit 14,are line-sequentially output with a timing shown in FIG. 2 (h) like theoriginal input data, and are sent out to various transmission lines viaa terminal 15.

In a predictive coding system as described above, the transmission rateof data input to each DPCM coder 6, 7 and 8 becomes 1/3 of the inputdata, and on the whole DPCM coding can be performed with a speed threetimes the respective processing speed of the DPCM coders 6, 7 and 8.Further, data of the total picture elements with regard to eachhorizontal scanning line are sequentially input to each DPCM coder, sothat a coding utilizing a correlation between adjacent picture elementscan be performed, and thus the predictive error does not become largewhen a predictive value is produced.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a decoding unitcorresponding to the coding unit in FIG. 1, wherein differential dataare line-sequentially input to a terminal 21 via a transmission line. Adata distributor 22 sequentially and cyclically supplies thesedifferential data for every 1H interval thereof to line memories 23, 24and 25. The line memories 23, 24 and 25 have a configuration to performthe time-base expansion of differential data of the 1H interval inputduring a period of a 1H interval of the input differential data in a 1Htime interval unit to three times, respectively, and to output theresultant data. They output the data simultaneously like the linememories 3, 4 and 5. DPCM decoders 26, 27 and 28 receive the outputsfrom the line memories 23, 24 and 25, perform DPCM decoding, and supplythe decoded data to line memories 31, 32 and 33. The line memories 31,32 and 33 perform the time-base compression of decoded data of a 1Hinterval input during a period of 3H interval of the input differentialdata in a 1H interval unit to 1/3. The line memories 31, 32 and 33sequentially output the decoded data of 1H interval to input in a datamultiplexing circuit 34, and these data are line-sequentiallymultiplexed again to be output from a terminal 35.

It will be noted that even in the above-described decoding system,decoding can be performed with a speed three times the processing speedof each DPCM decoder.

Now, an example of a configuration of a DPCM coder applicable to asystem of an embodiment as described above will be explained. FIGS. 4and 5 are diagrams illustrating a concrete example of the DPCM coders 6,7 and 8 in FIG. 1, respectively.

In FIG. 4, there are shown a terminal 41 to which PCM data are to beinput, an arithmetic unit 42 which outputs a differential value betweena predictive value and an input value, a quantizer 43 which non-linearlyquantizes the output of the arithmetic unit 42 with a quantizingcharacteristic Q to reduce the numbers of bits and data from thenon-linear quantizer 43 are output from a terminal 48 as the output fromthis coder. A circuit 44 for setting the typical value for the outputvalue of the quantizer 43 has a characteristic Q⁻¹ inverse to thequantizing characteristic Q, and an adder 45 adds the aforementionedtypical value and the predictive value of the preceding picture elementto obtain the local decoded value. The output of a coefficientmultiplier 46 which multiplies the predictive coefficient P, is delayedby a period of one picture element interval by a delay circuit 47 to beused as a new predictive value, and is supplied to the arithmetic unit42 and the adder 45. This adder itself is well known, so that detailedexplanation of the operation thereof will be omitted.

The adder in FIG. 4 produces the predictive value by using only anadjacent picture element in the same horizontal scanning line as thepicture element in question. However, the system according to thepresent invention is not only applicable to such a system using a coderwhich performs the so-called preceding value prediction, but also isapplicable to a system using a coder which uses even the correlation ofan image in the temporal direction: one example of this kind of coder isshown in FIG. 5.

In FIG. 5, like components to those in FIG. 4 are indicated by likenumerals, and explanation thereof will be omitted. The local decodedvalue obtained by the adder 45 is multiplied with the predictivecoefficient in the coefficient multiplier 46, and then is input to thedelay circuit 47 for one picture element interval and to a delay circuit51 for one frame interval. The outputs of these delay circuits 47 and 51are multiplied with the coefficients in coefficient multipliers 52 and53, and then are added in an adder 54 to obtain the predictive value.

Coefficients (k) and (1-k) of the coefficient multipliers 52 and 53 aredetermined in a movement detection circuit 55 which detects the amountof the correlation of the image in the temporal direction. That is, thelarger the correlation in the temporal direction, the smaller becomesthe value of k. Several configurations can be considered for themovement detection circuit 55, and there have been various proposalstherefor, but explanation on the concrete configuration thereof will beomitted because they have no direct relationship with the presentinvention.

It will be noted that while in the above-described embodiment videosignals have been presumed as data to be handled, it is not limitedthereto and the present invention can be applied even to the case inwhich other information signals are handled. In the case of videosignals, a unit for time-base conversion has been taken as a 1Hinterval, taking in consideration the fact that an initializing timingof the DPCM coder, i.e., a timing which sends data not differentiatedwill exist at least with a timing of the start of each horizontalscanning line. Similarly, in the case of other information signals theinitializing cycle may be made as a unit for time-base conversion.

It will be also noted that while in the above-described embodimentthree-channel parallel processing is performed, it is possible ingeneral to perform n (≧2)-channel parallel processing. It is needless tosay that in this case a time-base expansion circuit for expanding ntimes is provided in the front stage of n coders, and a time-basecompression circuit for compressing to 1/n is provided in the rearstage.

Next, an embodiment when the present invention is applied to atwo-dimensional DPCM coding system of video signals will be explained.FIGS. 6 (A), (B) and (C) are diagrams for explaining a system of anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 (A) is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of acoding unit of a system as the present embodiment, in which likecomponents as in FIG. 1 are indicated by like numerals, and detailedexplanation thereof will be omitted. DPCM coders 6', 7' and 8' performtwo-dimensional prediction by using data from other coders 8', 6' and7', and supply differential data to line memories 11, 12 and 13 inparallel.

FIG. 6 (B) is a diagram illustrating concrete configurations of thetwo-dimensional DPCM coders 6', 7' and 8' in FIG. 6 (A), and FIG. 6 (C)is a diagram for explaining the method for operating of predictivevalues by the coders in FIG. 6 (B).

First, a circuit within the two-dimensional DPCM coder 6' will beexplained. There is shown a terminal 100 in which data read out from theline memory 3 are input. An arithmetic unit 101 is for operating thedifferential value between the predictive value and the input value, anda quantizer 102 non-linearly quantizes the output of the arithmetic unit101 with a quantizing characteristic Q to reduce the number of bits, anddata which the non-linear quantizer 102 outputs are supplied to a delaycircuit 113 and to a circuit 103. The circuit 103 for setting thetypical value for the output value of the quantizer 102 has acharacteristic Q⁻¹ inverse to the quantizing characteristic Q, and anadder 104 is for adding the aforementioned typical value and thepredictive value of the preceding picture element to obtain the localdecoded value. The output of a predictive unit 105 is supplied to thearithmetic unit 101 and the adder 104 as the predictive value.

The above-described components 101-105 in the coder 6' are the same asthe components 122-126 and 132-136 in the coders 7' and 8',respectively, and the configuration is the same as for predictive units105, 126 and 136 of each coder 6, 7 and 8. Here, explanation will bemade by taking the predictive unit 105 as an example.

A delay unit 106 delays the local decoded value obtained from the adder104 by a period of 1 picture element interval (D). When the pictureelement evaluating the predictive value is assumed to be a pictureelement shown as S in FIG. 6 (C), the output of said delay unit 106 isthe local decoded value of the picture element right before that, i.e.,the adjacent picture element in the horizontal direction (shown as C inFIG. 6 (C)). A delay unit 112 is for delaying the local decoded valueoutput from an adder 135 of the coder 8 by a period shorter than 3horizontal scanning periods by an amount equal to the interval of 6picture elements (3H-6D). Here, 3 horizontal scanning period means 3horizontal scanning period of the input signals to the terminal 1 inFIG. 1 (A), which corresponds to a period wherein the image data of 1Hinterval are input to the coders 6, 7 and 8, respectively. In the coder8 there is provided a delay unit for a period of 4 times the interval ofa picture element interval in the input side. As is clear by referringto FIG. 2, the local decoded value of the picture element (shown as A inFIG. 6 (C)) which has shifted by one picture element in the horizontaldirection in the line right before the picture element S is to be outputfrom the delay unit 112. The output of a delay unit 109 for 1D is thelocal decoded value of the picture element (shown as B in FIG. 6 (C)) inthe preceding line at the same location in the horizontal direction.

The coefficients a, b and c of the local decoded values of the pictureelements A, B and C are multiplied by coefficient multipliers 108, 110and 107, added by an adder 111 to obtain the predictive value of thepicture element S. That is, in order to operate the predictive value ofthe picture element S in FIG. 6 (C), the local decoded values of 3picture elements shown by ∘ in the figure are used.

Data input are delayed by 1D by a delay unit 121 in the coder 7, so thatif it is assumed that the predictive value obtained from the predictiveunit 126 evaluates the predictive value with regard to the pictureelement S in FIG. 6 (C), the local decoded value output from the coder 6to the coder 7 becomes the one with regard to the picture element A.Similarly, data input are delayed by 2D by a delay unit 131 in the coder8, so that if it is assumed that the predictive value obtained from thepredictive unit 136 is with regard to the picture element S in FIG. 1(C), the local decoded value output from the coder 7 to the coder 8becomes the one with regard to the picture element A.

By thus shifting picture elements to be processed in the coders 6, 7 and8 in the horizontal direction, i.e., by shifting the processing timingof picture elements aligning in the vertical direction of a picture bythe coders 6, 7 and 8 by the existence of the delay units 121 and 131,the picture elements located at the both sides in the horizontaldirection with regard to the picture element for which the predictivevalue is to be operated can be utilized for the operation. Accordingly,a prediction with less value of predictive error can be performed. Itwill be noted that delay units 113 and 127 have delay periods of 4D and2D, respectively, and are provided so that the outputs of the coders 6,7 and 8 have the same timing with regard to picture elements aligning inthe vertical direction.

In a coding system as described above, the transmission rates of datainput in each DPCM coder 6, 7 and 8 become 1/3 of that of the inputdata, and on the whole DPCM coding can be performed with a speed threetimes the processing speed of each of the DPCM coders 6, 7 and 8. Sincedata of total picture elements with regard to each horizontal scanningline are sequentially input in each DPCM coder, a coding utilizing acorrelation between adjacent picture elements can be performed, and thuspredictive error does not become large when a predictive value isproduced. Further, in the line right before, picture elements located infront and in rear in the horizontal direction can be utilized, so that atwo-dimensional prediction with a high predictive accuracy becomespossible.

FIG. 7 (A) is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of adecoding unit corresponding to the coding unit in FIG. 6. In the figurelike components as in FIG. 3 are indicated by like numerals, andexplanation thereof will be omitted. DPCM decoders 26', 27' and 28'receive the outputs of the line memories 23, 24 and 25 and decodedvalues of other decoders to perform DPCM decoding, and supply thedecoded data to line memories 31, 32 and 33.

FIG. 7 (B) is a diagram illustrating concrete configurational examplesof the decoders 26', 27' and 28' which correspond to the decoders 6', 7'and 8' illustrated in FIG. 6 (B). There are shown delay units 211 and221 for 2D and 4D for shifting the decoding timings of picture elementsaligning in the vertical direction of a picture, typical value-settingcircuits 201, 212 and 213 the same as 103, respectively, adders 202, 213and 223 for outputting decoded values, arithmetic units 205, 216 and 225for performing the same operations as the predictive unit 105, a delayunit 206 for supplying decoded values of scanning linesdecoding-processed in the decoder 28 during a period right before(3H-6D), and delay units 203 and 214 for 4D and 2D for making coincidethe output timings of the decoded values of picture elements aligning inthe vertical direction of a picture. The operation of each decoder 26,27 and 28 is the same as the above-described operation after thearithmetic units 101, 122 and 132 in the coders 6, 7 and 8, henceexplanation thereof will be omitted.

It goes without saying that even in the above-described decoding system,decoding can be performed with a speed three times the processing speedof each DPCM decoder.

In the above-described embodiment, the processing time T of data fromthe outputs of the predictive units 105, 126 and 136 to the inputs havebeen neglected, but it can not be neglected when it is intended torealize, higher processing speed of. If this time T is taken intoconsideration, the delay time of the delay unit 106 should be made as(D-T). That is, it is necessary to precede the processing timing of thecoder which generates the local decoded value used in the operation ofthe predictive value to the processing timing of the coder whichoperates this predictive value by T.

It will be noted that the configuration of a two-dimensional predictiveunit is not limited to the configuration of the above-describedembodiment. However, it is necessary to design by taking intoconsideration the existence of the aforementioned period T.

Next, further another embodiment wherein the present invention isapplied to a DPCM coding system of color video signals will beexplained.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a coding unit of asystem as another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is atiming chart for explaining the processing timing of each unit in FIG.8. In FIG. 8, there are shown a terminal 10 in which luminance signalsare to be input, and an analog-digital (A/D) converter 9 which performssampling of the luminance signals input with a predetermined frequencyF_(s) to make digital data of several bits. The data sequence which theA/D converter 9 outputs is supplied to the data distributor 2, and tothe DPCM coders 6, 7 and 8 via the line memories 3, 4 and 5 to be codedlike in FIG. 1, and is supplied to line memories 11', 12' and 13'. FIG.9(a) graphically illustrates data being input in the distributor 2,where Y indicates the luminous signal and numerals indicate horizontalscanning line numbers. FIG. 9 (c), (d) and (e) indicate input data inthe line memories 3, 4 and 5, respectively, and oblique lines indicatethe absence of data input. The data output timings of the line memories3, 4 and 5 are, as shown in FIG. 9 (f), (g) and (h), set so that datafor 3H interval are simultaneously output in parallel.

On the other hand, two kinds of color-difference signals C_(N) and C_(W)have been input in terminals 76 and 77 synchronous with luminancesignals input to a terminal 10, and are input to a line-sequentialoperation circuit 78. The line-sequential operation circuit 78alternately outputs C_(N) and C_(W) for every 1H period by well-knownmeans, and an A/D converter 79 samples these line-sequentialcolor-difference signals with a sampling frequency of F_(s) /3, andoutputs as digital data having the same quantizing bit numbers asluminance signal data which the A/D converter 9 outputs.

This output timing of the A/D converter 79 is graphically illustrated inFIG. 9 (b). In the figure, C indicates color signals. Accordingly, whenC1 is C_(N), then C3, C5 and C7 are also C_(N), and C2, C4, C6 and C8are C_(W). A line memory 80 delays the output of the A/D converter 79 bya period of 3H, and outputs with a timing shown in FIG. 9 (i). Here, thecapacity of the line memory 80 is the same as the capacity of the linememories 3, 4 and 5, but the line memory 80 can delay by a period of 3Hsince the sampling number per unit time of the line-sequential colorsignals is 1/3 of the sampling number of the luminance signals. At thismoment, the data which the line memory 80 outputs totally equal datawhich the line memories 3, 4 and 5 output in the quantizing bit numbers,the output timing and the sampling number per unit time. Accordingly, aDPCM coder 81 in which the output data of the line memory 80 are to beinput is capable of having totally the same configuration as the DPCMcoders 6, 7 and 8, and at the same time common clocks can be used forthe driving thereof.

The output data of the DPCM coder 81 are supplied to a line memory 82with a timing illustrated in FIG. 9 (i), and the line memory 82 takes ina portion of a 3H interval thereof, performs time-base compression, andoutputs with a timing illustrated in FIG. 9 (k). That is, it outputs by1H interval at a time during the last 1/4H period of each 1H period. Onthe other hand, the line memories 11', 12' and 13' output by 1H intervalduring the first 3/4 period of each 1H period (shown in FIG. 9 (j)), adata multiplexing circuit 14' performs multiplexing of these output dataof the line memories 11', 12', 13' and 82, and send outs from a terminal15' to various transmission lines with a timing illustrated in FIG. 9(l).

In a coding system as described above, the DPCM coders 6, 7, 8 and 81can have the totally same configuration, so that it is not necessary toprepare separate coders for luminance signals and for color signals, andthus it is possible to realize circuits with a lower cost. At the sametime, the circuit configuration can be simplified because each DPCMcoder 6, 7, 8 and 81 can be operated with a common clock.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a decoding unitcorresponding to the coding unit in FIG. 8, wherein data sent out fromthe coder in FIG. 8 are input in a terminal 21' via a transmission line.A data distributor 22' supplies these data to line memories 23', 24',25' and 89 for every 1H interval with time sharing. The line memories23', 24' and 25' have a configuration wherein differential data of a 1Hinterval input during a period of 3/4H interval of the inputdifferential data are performed time-base expansion thereof in a 1Hinterval unit, respectively, and the resultant data are output in aperiod of a 3H interval, and the line memories 3, 4 and 5 are arrangedto simultaneously output the same data in the same way. The DPCMdecoders 26, 27 and 28 receive the outputs of the line memories 23, 24and 25, perform DPCM decoding of luminance signals, and supply thedecoded data to line memories 31, 32 and 33. The line memories 31, 32and 33 perform time-base compression to 1/3 the decoded data of a 1Hinterval input during a period of a 3H interval of the inputdifferential data in a 1H interval unit, respectively. The line memories31, 32 and 33 sequentially output the decoded data of a 1H interval toinput in a data multiplexing circuit 34, and these data areline-sequentially multiplexed again, are input in a D/A converter 38 tobe made as analog data, and are output from a terminal 39 as luminancesignals.

On the other hand, from the data distributor 22' differential data withregard to line-sequential color signals are output by a 1H interval forevery 1H period during a period of a 1/4H interval, and the line memory89 performs time-base expansion of these data to 4 times in a 1Hinterval unit and inputs to a DPCM decoder 90. The data decoded by theDPCM decoder 90 are delayed by a period of 3H by a line memory 91, andthen are supplied to a D/A converter 92 to be restored to analogline-sequential color-difference signals. The line-sequentialcolor-difference signals output form the D/A converter 92 are subjectedto the concurrent operation of a well-known concurrent operation circuit93 by performing line interpolation in the vertical direction of apicture with regard to C_(N) and C_(W), and are output from terminals 94and 95 as two kinds of color difference signals.

Even in the above-described decoding system, luminance signals can beprocessed with a speed three times the processing speed of each DPCMdecoder, and at the same time each decoder 26, 27, 28 and 90 can havetotally the same configuration. Further, these decoders can be operatedwith the same clock.

It will be noted that in the above-described embodiment, an examplewherein luminance signals and line-sequential color difference signalsare handled, and the ratio of the sampling frequencies thereof is 3:1has been explained, but it is possible to adopt a configuration whereinluminance signals and two kinds of color signals are sampled separately.It is also possible in general to make the ratio of the samplingfrequencies n (≧2):1. For example, when data wherein luminance signalsand two kinds of color difference signals are sampled with samplingfrequencies having a ratio of 4:1:1 are handled, it can be realized byperforming 4-channel parallel processing with regard to luminance signaldata, and by preparing six identical predictive coding circuits in totalincluding coding circuits for two kinds of color difference signals.

It will be also noted that in all the embodiments in the presentdescription, the outputs of coders operating in parallel are multiplexedafter performing time-base compression thereof, respectively, but whenit is applied to a system wherein the subsequent processings are allperformed in plural systems in parallel, and are transmitted inparallel, the aforementioned processings are unnecessary.

What is claimed is:
 1. A predictive coding system comprising:(a) inputmeans for inputting a video data sequence sequentially including anumber of pixels: (b) distribution means for distributing the pixels ofthe video data sequence input by said input means using a predeterminedtime interval including a plurality of pixels as a unit for outputtingn-channel data sequences, where n is an integer not smaller than 2, saidpredetermined time interval being an integer times a horizontal scanningperiod of the video data sequence; (c) time-base expansion means forperforming time-base expansion of the n-channel data sequences outputfrom said distribution means, and for controlling timings of then-channel data sequences such that n-pixels aligned in a verticaldirection on a picture are output at the same time; and (d) predictivecoding circuits into which the n-channel data sequences, output fromsaid time-base expansion means, are input, respectively.
 2. A predictivecoding system according to claim 1 further comprising:time-basecompression means for performing time-base compression of n-channel datasequences consisting of codes which said predictive coding circuitsoutput, respectively; and time-base multiplexing means for performingtime-base multiplexing of n-channel data sequences which said time-basecompression means output.
 3. A predictive coding system according toclaim 1 wherein said predictive coding circuits include differential PCMcoders, respectively.
 4. A predictive coding system according to claim 1wherein said predictive coding circuits perform coding by utilizing thecorrelation of an image in the horizontal direction.
 5. A predictivecoding system according to claim 4 wherein said predictive codingcircuits perform coding by further utilizing the correlation of theimage in the vertical direction.
 6. A predictive coding system accordingto claim 4 wherein said predictive coding circuits perform coding byfurther utilizing the correlation between images.
 7. A predictive codingsystem according to claim 1 wherein said input means includes means forinputting an analog video signal and means for digitizing said analogvideo signal to output said video data sequence.
 8. A predictivedecoding system comprising:(a) input means for inputting a video codesequence sequentially including predictive-coded codes; (b) distributionmeans for distributing the codes for the video code sequence input bysaid input means using a predetermined time interval including aplurality of codes as a unit for outputting n-channel data sequences,where n is an integer not smaller than 2, said predetermined timeinterval being an integer times a horizontal scanning period of thevideo code sequence; (c) time-base expansion means for performingtime-base expansion of the n-channel data sequences output from saiddistribution means, and for controlling timings of the n-channel datasequences such that n-codes corresponding to n-pixels aligned in avertical direction on a picture are output at the same time; and (d) npredictive decoding circuits into which the n-channel data sequences,output from said time-base expansion means, are input, respectively. 9.A predictive decoding system according to claim 8 furthercomprising:time-base compression means for performing time-basecompression of n-channel data sequences consisting of video data ofdecoded values which said n predictive decoding circuits output,respectively; and time-base multiplexing means for performing time-basemultiplexing of n-channel data sequences which said time-basecompression means output.
 10. A predictive decoding system according toclaim 8 wherein said n predictive decoding circuits include differentialPCM decoders, respectively.
 11. A predictive coding systemcomprising:(a) input means for inputting a video data sequencesequentially including a number of pixels; (b) distribution means fordistributing the pixels of the video data sequence input by said inputmeans using a predetermined time interval including a plurality ofpixels as a unit for outputting n-channel data sequences, where n is aninteger not smaller than 2, said predetermined time interval being ahorizontal scanning period of the video data sequence; (c) time-baseexpansion means for performing time-base expansion of the n-channel datasequences output from said distribution means, and for controllingtimings of the n-channel data sequences such that all of n-pixelsaligned in a vertical direction on a picture are output within a periodless than (1/n) horizontal scanning periods; and (d) predictive codingcircuits into which the n-channel data sequences, output from saidtime-base expansion means, are input, respectively.
 12. A predictivedecoding system comprising:(a) input means for inputting a video codesequence sequentially including predictive-coded codes; (b) distributionmeans for distributing the codes of the video code sequence input bysaid input means using a predetermined time interval including aplurality of codes as a unit for outputting n-channel data sequences,where n is an integer not smaller than 2, said predetermined timeinterval being a horizontal scanning period of the video code sequence;(c) time-base expansion means for performing time-base expansion of then-channel data sequences output from said distribution means, and forcontrolling timings of the n-channel data sequences such that all ofn-codes corresponding to n-pixels aligned in a vertical direction on apicture are output within a period less than (1/n) horizontal scanningperiods; (d) n predictive decoding circuits into which the n-channeldata sequences, output from said time-base expansion means, are input,respectively.